A wellness examination is a routine check-up for your pet to catch problems early, making treatment easier and more effective. They keep pets happy and healthy, and they save money on vet bills over time.

But what services include pet wellness exams?

Let’s explore together!

What Services Are Included in Pet Wellness Exams?

A pet wellness exam is an essential part of keeping your dog and cat healthy. It’s a comprehensive checkup that allows your veterinarian to identify any potential problems early on. Here’s what you can expect during a wellness exam and the typical costs involved.

What Happens During a Pet Wellness Exam?

1. Vital Signs: The vet will take your pet’s temperature, weight, pulse, and respiration rate. This establishes a baseline for future reference and helps detect any abnormalities.
2. Lifestyle Discussion: The vet will discuss your pet’s diet, exercise routine, behavior, and any health concerns you might have. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and address any worries.
3. Physical Examination: The vet will give your pet a thorough head-to-toe exam, including:
   • Oral exam: Checking teeth and gums
   • Listening to the heart and lungs
   • Examining eyes, ears, and lymph nodes
   • Checking organs in the abdomen
   • Performing a rectal exam
   • Assessing movement and pain
4. Diagnostic Tests (Based on Age, Lifestyle, and Health):
   • Fecal Exam: Checks for internal parasites (yearly for adult dogs/cats, more frequent for puppies/kittens)
   • Heartworm Test: Recommended for dogs over 7 months, even if on prevention
   • FeLV/FIV Test: Checks for feline leukemia and immunodeficiency viruses in cats (frequency depends on age and lifestyle)
   • Bloodwork and Urinalysis: Especially for senior pets, these screen for age-related diseases.
5. Preventive Care Discussion:
   • Vaccinations: The vet will recommend new vaccines or boosters based on your pet’s needs.
   • Parasite Prevention: A plan will be tailored to your pet’s risk factors.
   • Pet ID: Microchipping is a quick and affordable way to increase the chances of finding a lost pet.
   • Spay/Neuter: The vet will discuss the benefits, risks, and timing of sterilization.
   • Dental Care: The importance of dental hygiene and professional cleanings will be addressed.
   • Grooming: Recommendations will be made based on your pet’s needs.
   • Daily Life Advice: The vet will offer guidance on behavior, diet, exercise, enrichment, litter box management (for cats), zoonotic diseases (diseases transmissible between humans and animals), and disaster preparedness.

How Much Does a Pet Wellness Exam Cost?

The cost of a pet wellness exam can vary depending on your location, clinic type, and your pet’s age and needs. Here’s a breakdown of typical costs for some common services:

• Office Visit/Physical Exam: $40 – $90
• Bloodwork Panel: $50 – $200
• Urinalysis: $20 – $60
• Fecal Examination: $25 – $50
• Core Vaccines (Each): $20 – $45
• Microchip Placement: $20 – $75
• Heartworm Test: $20 – $50
• FeLV/FIV Test: $20 – $40
• Nail Trim: $10 – $20

Veterinary clinics should provide you with a detailed cost estimate for your pet’s wellness care. Always ask for an estimate before booking an appointment to avoid surprises.

Cost Factors for Pet Checkups

The cost of checkup also depends with several factors this include your pet’s age, the geographical location that you live in and the clinic you are attending.

Pet’s Age and Health

For examples, a checkup for a healthy Shih Tzu with no vaccines required would be low cost. On the other hand, a checkup for instance, of a 15 year old Siamese cat that has been spending most of its time outdoors, may require several vaccinations and a whole host of tests and this will again be more expensive.

Location

The fact that your location greatly determines the price you will have to pay to your veterinarian. According to the Nationwide/Purdue Veterinary Price Index conducted in 2019, the average vet price in San Francisco was $ 406, which is 1. fivefold amount of the $265 average for the rural regions.

Type of Clinic

Another factor that affects costs is the type of clinic to be established. Low cost or even free services like rabies vaccinations may be given or charged by some nonprofit organizations. They are generally cheaper to attend than a hospital or a similar medical facility but may not offer all the necessary treatments. Large veterinary facilities, while slightly more expensive are able to meet all your vet needs and also allow you to gain rapport with the other professionals that may serve you in the future.

Preparing for Your Pet’s Wellness Exam

Preparing your pet for this wellness exam ensures that the doctor’s visit is as efficient and inexpensive as possible for both of you. Here’s how you can prepare:

• Bring any previous veterinary records or have them sent to your current vet to avoid redundant tests and treatments.
• List or take photos of all medications, supplements, and foods (including treats) your pet consumes.
• If possible, bring a fresh stool sample from your pet. If not, your vet can usually collect one if necessary.
• Write down any questions you have about your pet’s care. Your veterinarian will be glad to address your concerns, but you need to ask!

Final Words

By understanding the above details on a pet wellness exams, you will be ready to present your pet in the right manner. Don’t wait for an emergency call– schedule your pet’s wellness exam and keep them healthy, happy, and with you for the duration!